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ABOUT BLOOD PRESSURE
Assessing High Blood Pressure for Adults
The following standards for assessing high blood pressure (without
regard to age or gender) have been established as a guideline. Please note
that other risk factors (e.g. diabetes, obesity, smoking, etc.) need to be
taken into consideration and may affect these figures. Consult with your
physician for an accurate assessment.
JNC7 Classification Table – for adults within the U.S
BP Classification
Systolic (mmHg)
Diastolic (mmHg)
Normal
less than 120
and less than 80
Prehypertension
120-139
or 80-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
160
or
100
SOURCE:
The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Evaluation and Treatment
of High Blood Pressure for adults. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute - May 2003.
WHO Classification Table – for adults outside of the U.S.
(e.g. Canada, Mexico)
BP Classification
Systolic (mmHg)
Diastolic (mmHg)
Optimal
less
than
120
and less than 80
Normal
less than 130
or
less than
85
High-Normal
130-139
or 85-89
Stage 1 Hypertension
140-159
or
90-99
Stage 2 Hypertension
160-179
or
100-109
Stage 3 Hypertension
180
or
110
SOURCE:
Standards to assess high blood pressure, without regard to age or gender, have been
established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
greater than
or equal to
greater than
or equal to
greater than
or equal to
greater than
or equal to
